The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Tanzania has started a training session for election officials in preparation for the Chamwino Constituency by-election and council by-elections in 11 wards, scheduled for November 4, 2026. The training, which is being held in Tabora, aims to equip the officials with the necessary skills to conduct the elections in accordance with the Constitution, electoral laws, and regulations. The three-day training session was opened by the Chairperson of INEC, Court of Appeal Justice Jacobs Mwambegele.
During the training, Justice Mwambegele tasked the officials to uphold their oaths of office and perform their duties with integrity and impartiality. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the Constitution, electoral laws, and regulations, as well as the electoral code of ethics and directives issued by the Commission. The officials were also reminded of the need to involve all fully registered political parties and other electoral stakeholders in the electoral process.
The by-elections will be held in Chamwino Constituency, Chamwino District Council, Dodoma Region, and 11 wards on Tanzania Mainland. The wards include Nonde in Mbeya City Council; Lugenge in Njombe Town Council; Bargish in Mbulu Town Council; Makole in Muheza District Council; Mwera in Pangani District Council; and Oldonyosambu in Ngorongoro District Council, among others. A total of 477 officials are attending the training session.
Justice Mwambegele directed the officials to provide political parties with lists of polling stations to enable them to plan and deploy their agents. He also stressed the need to identify and understand the areas where the elections will be conducted, including the infrastructure and routes leading to polling stations. The officials were cautioned against relying on routine practices, as every election process is unique.
The INEC Chairperson emphasized the importance of recruiting qualified, competent, and responsible polling-station officials. He urged the officials to avoid favouritism, particularly in the appointment of relatives and friends who do not meet the required qualifications. The officials were also instructed to verify all election materials received from the Commission and ensure that every polling-station supervisor receives all the required materials in good time.
The training session brings together regional election coordinators, returning officers, assistant returning officers at constituency and ward levels, election officers, procurement officers, and accountants. The officials are expected to put in place arrangements that will enable every polling station to open at 7:00 a.m. on election day. The INEC is working to ensure that the by-elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.
The by-elections are a significant test of Tanzania's electoral system, and the INEC is taking steps to ensure that the process is credible and trustworthy. The training session is a critical component of the preparations, as it aims to equip the officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct the elections successfully. The outcome of the by-elections will be closely watched by stakeholders and the general public.
Key points
- The INEC has begun training election officials for the Chamwino Constituency by-election and council by-elections in 11 wards, scheduled for November 4, 2026.
- The training aims to equip officials with skills to conduct elections in accordance with the Constitution, electoral laws, and regulations.
- The by-elections will be held in Chamwino Constituency and 11 wards on Tanzania Mainland, with 477 officials attending the training session.
